Privacy Fence Price Calculator
Privacy fence price ranges from $16 per linear foot for pressure-treated pine DIY to $90 per foot for professionally installed composite. This privacy fence price calculator (also called a privacy fence pricing calculator or privacy fence cost calculator) breaks down materials, labor, and gate costs by fence type, height, and region, so you can budget accurately before getting bids or hitting the lumber aisle.
Privacy Fence Cost by Material (6 ft Height, Installed)
| Material | Installed per LF | 150 ft fence |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure-treated pine | $22-35 | $3,300-5,250 |
| Cedar | $34-50 | $5,100-7,500 |
| Vinyl / PVC | $48-70 | $7,200-10,500 |
| Composite (Trex) | $68-90 | $10,200-13,500 |
| Chain link w/ privacy slats | $22-35 | $3,300-5,250 |
How This Privacy Fence Pricing Calculator Works
The formula is simple:
- Material cost = linear feet x price per LF x height factor
- Labor cost = material cost x labor ratio (0.40-0.55) x regional factor
- Gate cost = gate count x gate base price x regional factor
- Total = material + labor + gates
Height factors: 4 ft = 0.75x, 6 ft = 1.0x, 8 ft = 1.4x. Regional factors: low = 0.85x, average = 1.0x, high = 1.25x.
Privacy Fence Cost Calculator: DIY vs Pro
Labor is 40-55% of total installed cost. A 150 ft cedar privacy fence costs:
- Materials only (DIY): $3,300-4,500
- Professional install: $5,100-7,500
DIY saves $1,800-3,000 on this size job. Tools you'll need:
- Post hole digger or auger ($30 rental/day or $400-800 gas auger)
- 50 lb bags of concrete mix (one per post minimum, $4-6 each)
- Level, string line, stakes, spray paint for layout
- Circular saw for picket cuts
- Cordless drill and exterior deck screws (or galvanized nails)
Plan 2-4 weekends for a 150 ft fence with one helper.
Wood Privacy Fence Pricing
Wood is the most common privacy fence. Material ranges:
- Pressure-treated pine pickets: $2-3 each (1x6x6)
- Cedar pickets: $4-7 each (1x6x6 dog-ear)
- 4x4 pressure-treated posts: $15-25 each (8 ft)
- 2x4 pressure-treated rails: $8-12 each (8 ft)
- Hardware (nails/screws, post caps): $50-100 per 100 ft
Cedar lasts 15-25 years; pressure-treated pine lasts 8-15 without stain. Staining wood fences every 2-3 years adds $300-600 per application but doubles lifespan.
Vinyl Privacy Fence Price
Vinyl costs 40-60% more upfront but lasts 25-30 years with no painting or staining. Color options are limited (white, tan, gray, almond). Vinyl panels are heavier to handle but install faster than wood because no cutting or staining is needed.
Composite Privacy Fence
Composite fencing (Trex Seclusions, SimTek EcoStone) combines recycled plastic and wood fibers. It looks like real wood, never needs painting, resists rot and insects, and carries a 25-year warranty. Downside: highest upfront cost at $45-65 per LF materials only.
Gate Costs
Walk gates add $200-500 each installed depending on material. Drive gates (10-16 ft wide) run $800-2,000 without automation and $2,500-5,000 with an opener. Add $150-300 for a self-closing hinge and latch kit.
Regional Price Variation
Labor rates drive most of the variation:
- Rural South/Midwest: baseline (or below)
- Suburban metro: roughly baseline
- NYC, SF, LA, Boston, Seattle: 20-35% above baseline
Materials are more uniform because Home Depot/Lowe's national chains set prices. Specialty cedar or clear-grade wood can add 20-40% over big-box pricing.
Permits and Property Lines
Most jurisdictions require a permit for fences over 4 ft. Budget $25-300 for the permit. Always verify property lines before digging: an unpermitted fence on the neighbor's lot may have to come down.